I was delighted to learn that The Race for the Chinese Zodiac has been named a ‘Notable Book’ in the Childrens Book Council of Australia list for 2011. See the full list here. Congratulations to all the other ‘Notable’ authors and good luck to those who are lucky enough to be on the Shortlist.
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac was also Shortlisted this week for the YABBA Childrens Choice Book Awards.
It is also Shortlisted for the 2011 West Australian Young Readers Book Award
A big thank you to Sally Rippin whose beautifully vivid illustrations have brought this story to life.
But this week too, I was very disappointed to learn that my YA novel Little Paradise was not on the CBCA Notable list.
But that is not why I write, I say to myself. And it’s true.
I write because I can’t help it.
I write because it’s the best thing I can do.
I write because I can go on amazing adventures.
I write because I love it when someone tells me they loved my book.
Writing is like an itch that won’t go away. The more you scratch, the itchier it gets!
Big congratulations for all those shortlistings, Gabi. I also appreciated your honesty in acknowledging that you were disappointed that Little Paradise wasn’t selected this year in the CBCA Notable Awards.
And thanks too, for telling us why you write and reminding us that they may be our reasons too.
Janeen
Thank you, Janeen.
Every day I count my blessings that I am able to write. It is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. (-: